The boss: “I am Graham Bayly, the managing director of Uniq Systems. I worked as an internal auditor and management accountant before moving to Siemens Nixdorf as an application consultant. When our division was closed down I left to start Uniq Systems, supporting some of my old Siemens clients who we still support today.

“Although most of our clients are based within a 30 miles radius we do also have one in Amsterdam.”

What is your business about? “As a solutions lead company we offer a complete service from consultation to software demonstrations to installation, implementation, training and support. Because we get to know our client’s business intimately we can tailor our solutions and bring the maximum benefit to our clients.

“We want to build an ongoing relationship with our clients and if we do not believe that our solutions would best serve your company we would rather say so.”

What product/services do you offer? “As well as providing Sage solutions for accounts (fully accredited Sage Business Partner for the Sage 200 Suite), CRM, manufacturing, construction, job costing, payroll and HR, we can provide network management to companies that either do not have their own dedicated IT staff, or who require additional services to complement an existing team. We have specialist knowledge of security and network management products.”

How and when did you start your business? “I started the business in August 1991 so we will be celebrating 21 years next year.

“We have come along way from operating out of the “spare bedroom”. We now have over 200 clients and an office suite. Next year we may have to move but hopefully not too far from Woodley.”

How many staff do you employ? “There are eight of us in total and I am currently looking to employ an additional technical consultant.”

Who are your customers? “Our clients reflect the businesses that you find in the Thames Valley. That includes wholesale and distribution, service companies and of course technology-based companies. They typically have between 10 and 200 employees.

“What sets you apart from the competition? It is an old cliché but it is true we are large enough to have the breadth of expertise you need but small enough to provide the personal service so often lost when dealing with a larger company. It means that to our clients we become an extension of their team and they know us as people rather than just a voice at the end of the telephone.”

How has the recession affected business? “A recession isn’t a good time for anyone. For the most part with our clients we have managed to continue with business as usual. We were never a company that sold products just for our immediate gain or pushed the latest upgrade if it wouldn’t provide a measurable benefit.

“If we don’t believe it to be the right decision for the client we always said so.

“Now with the economic constraints we have continued with this policy.

“Our clients appreciate the advice and that any suggestions we make invariably result in them being able to work more effectively and save money in the medium to long term.

“On the support side of the business, we have gained business as companies have decided that they can no longer afford to run a full IT department.”

How do you feel about the future? “I feel very positive about the future. I believe when the recovery comes it will be driven from the businesses in the Thames Valley. Uniq is ideally placed to provide the business solutions that will be required by these companies as they lead the UK out of recession.”